Paxil Lawsuit

Researchers have known for a long time that there are a lot of Paxil side-effects. But, we’re also learning that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which is the class of drug that includes Paxil, might lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children born to women who took those drugs during pregnancy. An Oklahoma Paxil lawsuit is being prepared to help recover damages for women and babies who have suffered Paxil side-effects.

What is Paxil?

Paxil is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is usually prescribed as an antidepressant and is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug, paroxetine, is also marketed as Aropax, Seroxat and Sereupin. It was approved in 2001 for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are several other SSRIs that are used to treat these and similar issues:

Paxil birth defects

Two of the most common, and most serious, Paxil birth defects are malformed hearts and skeletal defects in infants whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy. A malformed heart occurs when the heart does not properly grow during gestation, and it is unable to function correctly once the baby is born. Some malformed hearts can be corrected surgically, but not always. That makes it one of the leading causes of birth defect-related deaths for infants.

An infant’s skeletal defects could mean malformed limbs, underdeveloped or absent areas of the skull, or spinal problems such as spina bifida or scoliosis, all of which can cause years (or a lifetime) of pain and suffering. If you were prescribed Paxil during pregnancy and your child suffers from these or other injuries, you might be eligible to join a Paxil lawsuit.

Paxil Side-effects

Even for people who are not pregnant, there are Paxil side-effects. If you are taking Paxil and are experiencing unusual or troublesome symptoms, consult your medical provider.

Paxil and autism

In addition to the many well-known Paxil side-effects, research is now showing that the antidepressant might create an increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children born to women who took Paxil or other SSRIs during pregnancy. “Autism Spectrum Disorder” is used to describe several brain disorders that include Rett Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

In a recent study of more than 1,800 children, it was found that approximately 13% of women are exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. A fetus that is exposed to SSRIs is twice as likely to develop an autism spectrum disorder as a fetus that is not exposed to SSRIs. Finally, if the SSRIs are taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, a fetus is four times as likely to develop an autism spectrum disorder.

One of the most important conclusions of the study is that both the use of SSRIs and the prevalence of ASDs has increased over the past decade. Because of strong increases in both, researchers were interested in studying whether the two would be related, and the researchers concluded that there is a correlation.

Paxil is not the only SSRI to have associated birth defects; Zoloft is also associated with these effects, and more. As studies continue, it’s likely that there will be even more evidence that there is a dangerous risk of Paxil birth defects, as well as those associated with other SSRIs like Zoloft.

Paxil lawsuit

Even though several studies show that Paxil birth defects are common, and alarming, there has not yet been a recall to that effect. There is, however, a Paxil lawsuit based on the drug’s side-effects and reported birth defects. That’s why we’re here — because there are still so many families who are affected by Paxil side-effects, and we want to help you get compensation through a Paxil lawsuit.

Paxil: FDA Category D

When Paxil came on the market in 1992, it was classified as an FDA Category C drug. That means that if a woman takes the drug during pregnancy, there is a risk of fetal harm. With most drugs, the benefits can outweigh the risks.

At the end of 2005, after studies showed strong indications of Paxil birth defects, the FDA reclassified Paxil as a Category D drug. That means that there is strong evidence of fetal risk, and it should only be prescribed if the potential benefits far outweigh the risks, or if there is a life-threatening situation for which no less risky drug would be effective.

What to do if you think you’re eligible for a Paxil lawsuit?

If you have experienced Paxil side-effects, or if you took the drug while pregnant and it caused birth defects in your child, you might be eligible to join a Paxil lawsuit. If that’s the case, call McIntyre Law today for a free consultation. Our experts will guide you every step of the way through the legal process in getting the compensation you deserve.

What if I have had injuries from another drug?

Even prescription drugs can be dangerous, and there are several that are subject to current recalls. The McIntyre Law team is helping people with several kinds of drug lawsuits, in addition to the Paxil lawsuit. Please see our other drug information pages to find out if you are affected by any drug recall: